Fire Destroys Multiple Buildings at Minnesota Renaissance Festival

A major fire broke out at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds in Shakopee on Thursday evening, engulfing several buildings and requiring a response from about a dozen fire departments. The blaze started around 6 p.m. and was mostly extinguished by 8 p.m., but firefighters struggled to contain it due to a limited water supply in the area. Officials reported no injuries, and the cause of the fire remains unknown, though storms and lightning in the region are being considered as potential factors. Approximately six of the roughly 300 booths were destroyed, but festival organizers say the event is still expected to open on schedule later this summer.